Chrysler Recalls Certain Minivan Models

Published: May 11, 2012
Posted in Jeep Dealer

BridgetonAllstar New Jeep Dealer in Bridgeton is committed to keeping its blog readers informed of all the latest information on all Chrysler products. That’s why we want to inform you that Chrysler is having a recall on certain models of Town and Country and Dodge Caravan models manufactured between March 9th and March 12th of 2012.  Chrysler has already sold over 84,000 minivans this year.  It is unfortunate that only a select few were built with a defective liftgate sensor. This news comes amidst a recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The power liftgates were designed to stop during automatic closing if they detect resistance. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states the recalled vehicles could malfunction, and “may close on an appendage.” Owners are advised to keep their arms and legs safely inside the vehicle. Notifications are expected to be mailed from Chrysler to owners later this month. Dealers will be fixing affected vehicles free of charge.

The press release, announced this week states, “CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2012 THROUGH MARCH 12, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, INCREASED FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO STOP THE POWER LIFTGATE DURING FINAL CLOSING STAGES.”

NHTSA believes the consequence to the faulty material may cause the liftgate to close on an appendage which greatly increases the risk of injury to a consumer.  The press release notifies owners of the action Chrysler will take by stating, “CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER”.

 

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Chrysler Corporation Releases First Quarter Results

Published: May 10, 2012
Posted in Dodge Dealer

BridgetonAllstar New Dodge Dealer in Bridgeton is pleased to announce that Chrysler Corporation has released its 2012 first quarter results and net income more than quadrupled to $473 million. Their first-quarter modified operation profit increased 55 percent to $740 million with free cash flow of $1.7 billion.  Chrysler released the information in a press release on Thursday.

This is great news for the corporation who previously faced financial woes requiring a government bailout under the Bush and Obama administrations. The press release included the reason for the up rise in due to items such as: Worldwide vehicle shipments were 607,000 in the quarter, up 25 percent from 485,000 a year ago. It also stated, “Worldwide vehicle sales for the first quarter totaled 523,000, up 33 percent from a year ago.”

Chrysler also announced that U.S. market share increased to 11.2 percent for the first quarter, up from 9.2 percent a year ago, driven 
primarily by a 40 percent increase in U.S. retail sales. For the first time in its history, Chrysler was the 
quarterly market leader in Canada with a share of 15.0 percent.

Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler said in the statement, “We continue to deliver on the targets in our five-year plan and are now focused on successfully launching the Dodge Dart, a car that is a true melding of Chrysler’s and Fiat’s engineering and styling strengths.”

This latest news is good news for Chrysler. Allstar Dodge Dealer is proud to be a part of the Chrysler Corporation and is pleased to share in the successes of our company.  Stop in today to see what makes us top in class of customer satisfaction.

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Chrysler Increasing Jeep Production per Consumer Demand-Part 2

Published: May 7, 2012
Posted in Jeep Dealer

St LouisAllstar Dodge Jeep Dealer serving St Louis is pleased to announce that Chrysler has increased its production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee due to consumer demand.  Demand is so high for the innovative and classic SUV that Chrysler has made the decision to cancel its normal two-week, mid-summer shut down in order to meet consumer demand, this adding over 1100 jobs.   This is part 2 of a 2 part article on the topic.  For additional information, please check our blog for part 1.  Sergio Marchionne made the announcement for Chrysler, while at the same time criticizing the Canadian Auto Workers union for causing the shut down of a mini-van production plant.  Sergio blasted the union by saying the stoppages made a minuscule financial difference between labor and management. He reminded the union that, “ people have an incredibly short memory of what happened back in 2009.  I have zero empathy for that process today.”   In an article from USA today it was stated, “Chrysler went through bankruptcy reorganization in 2009, pressed by slow-selling products and high costs, including, the company said, union wages and benefits. “I would ask everybody to come back to their senses and clean this stuff up,” Marchionne said. Workers at the plant in question, Dakkota Integrated Systems, voted again later in the day and decided to return to work, allowing minivan production to resume in the afternoon. Dakkota makes instrument panels for the family vans built by Chrysler in Ontario and sold under the names Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Volkswagen Routan.  Allstar Jeep Dealer is committed to serving our customers.  As you demand the Jeep Grand Cherokee , we will be sure to keep them in stock, stop by and see us today and pick out your new Jeep.

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Chrysler Increasing Jeep Production per Consumer Demand-Part 1

Published: May 7, 2012
Posted in Jeep Dealer

Allstar Dodge, Jeep Dealer serving St. LouisSt. Louis is pleased to announce that Chrysler has increased its production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee due to consumer demand.  Demand is so high for the innovative and classic SUV that Chrysler has made the decision to cancel its normal two-week, mid-summer shut down in order to meet consumer demand.   And the good news just keeps getting better.  No only will Chrysler continue production non-stop through the summer, but they are adding more than 1100 jobs as a result.  This is great news for Chrysler, great news for Jeep lovers, and great news for the economy.  Chrysler plans to add the jobs as early as November of this year, instead of waiting until next year as planned.  Sergio Marchionne made the announcement recently while simultaneously notifying the public of a move of certain employees into a downtown Detroit building after it is remodeled.  The move comes from the need to shift space to add employees. It will be the first time the Detroit automaker will inhibit office space in Detroit (as opposed to the currently location in the suburbs).  The new building, being renamed Chrysler House will house approximately 70 people in offices later this year.

Sergio did have some harsh words for the Canadian Auto Workers union for striking at a supplier causing a mini-van production plant to be shut down in Ontario.  The Chrysler representative was quoted as saying, “”If that’s the basis on which we’re going to move forward I think we’re going to have a very difficult round of (union) negotiations. This is not the way to build a car company.”

For more information on this article, please continue reading our blog for part 2 of this 2 part article.

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We Salute Riders in Charity Event

Published: May 7, 2012
Posted in Dodge Ram

St LouisAllstar Dodge Dealer of the acclaimed Dodge Ram Truck in IL, is pleased to announce that Dodge is the main sponsor for the charity Dodge Million Dollar Challenge.  The event is a bike ride, fundraising, event that is touted as monumental for many riders.  Previous rider, Christian Vande Velde of Garmin-Transitio stated of her previous participation in the event, “ It was one of the most rewarding weeks of cycling I have ever experienced.  It was amazing to ride for a cause that helps change the lives of so many athletes and gives them the chance to enjoy what we do every day. In the end, I think I left the most inspired of all.

Riders of the event walk away have gained a new perspective on many things such as training, mileage, fundraising, friendship, support, and goodwill.  The Dodge Million Dollar Challenge is described on the website as, “The 620 mile journey down the California Coastline from San Francisco to San Diego is a week filled with iconic scenery, epic mileage, and friendship. Every year, this journey delivers a life-changing experience for all participants. This event is unique in the world of cycling, it builds a community of riders with a deep and lasting appreciation for life- and for those who overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to live life to the fullest. Helping to raise $1 Million dollars to help challenged athletes is deeply satisfying. But it is the journey that will change your life forever.”

Allstar Dodge dealer is proud of all those participating in this years event. We tip our hats to the riders, volunteers, and athletes affected by this amazing event and wish you all the best of luck.

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Is a Green Car the Best Option For You?

Published: May 7, 2012
Posted in Jeep Dealer

St PetersRecently the news has been scattered with talk of electric cars, hybrid vehicles and the never ending stories focused on rising gas prices.  Allstar Jeep Dealer serving St Peters is committed to keeping its blog readers informed with the latest news.  We want to make sure our readers are informed so they can make the best possible vehicle choices for their family.

Green cars, typically speaking, are cars that are green for the environment.  They typically get the best gas mileage and therefore use less gasoline. Less consumption of oil is better for the environment.  Some car companies have even turned back to the electric car option.  Although these vehicles cannot travel long distances on a single charge, most will cover the average commuters distance to and from work.  These vehicles will typically last on a battery charge and extremely small amounts of gasoline.  However, most of them are designed as futuristic looking vehicles and often are not pleasing to the average consumers taste pallet.  If you are looking for a downside to the green cars, the obvious is that the market is not flooded with a plethora of options.   The cars use advanced technology and are more expensive to make.  The costs are passed on to the consumer in some cases and most consumers don’t want to pay the expensive options.

The good news is that there are plenty of less expensive greener options available to consumers.  Allstar Dodge has a number of hybrid cars, and vehicles that get great gas mileage. Stop in today to check out our inventory.  Give them a test drive and if you see something you like, one of our friendly staff can help get you on your way in a new car in no time at all.

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Presidential Race Looks At Auto Industry Bailout

Published: May 7, 2012
Posted in Dodge Dealer

BridgetonAllstar Certified Dodge Dealer near Bridgeton is committed to keeping its blog readers up to date with the latest news surrounding the Auto Industry.  We are pleased to inform you First Lady Michelle Obama referred to the auto industry as a means of promoting her husbands Presidential Campaign.  It appears the Presidents reelection team will be touting the bailout of the U.S auto industry to bolster his argument for reelection.  During a recent campaign appearance, the First Lady was quoted as saying, “ Think back to earlier when all those folks in Washington were telling Barack to let the auto industry go under, with more than a million jobs on the line”.  The First Lady went on to list a number of other accomplishments her husband has made in the past 4 years. “Remember that? But what did Barack do? Barack had the backs of American workers, he put his faith in the American people.”

The bailout the First Lady is speaking of was a series of controversial bailouts totaling $80 billion that began under former President George W. Bush and continued under President Obama.

Many analysts feel that with the supposed Republican candidate Mitt Romney will challenge the President on many issues and his campaign is counting on using this topic as a means to show the Presidents accomplishments over the last 4 years or so.

The bailouts did not come without many critics and Romney’s camp is sure to focus on those issues.  Many believe the United States will unlikely recover the bailout money.

Automotive industry numbers show the industry is a growing entity and bailouts do not appear to be anywhere in the near future.

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Risk Assessment Summit Scheduled this May

Published: May 7, 2012
Posted in Dodge Ram

St. LouisAllstar Dodge Dealership, St Louis New Dodge Ram Dealer, is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Auto Finance Risk Summit will be held May 7th and 8th in Dallas, TX. Royal Media Group and Auto Finance News are presenting the summit.

Those wishing to attend the Auto Finance Risk Summit will receive “a deeper understanding of risk management that fosters prudent growth and higher-quality financial returns.” The summit will delve into the ins and outs of credit scoring models. Auto finance experts need to have an in depth understanding of credit scoring, so they can fully and completely understand the potential risk associated with the credit scores of their consumers.  Attendees will participate in learning sessions that include Underwriting, Fraud Prevention Programs (including the proper assessment of it’s limitations) and Risk Management.  The Auto Finance Risk Summit web page states, “risk is a tangible element to be held up to the light and analyzed. By doing so, we reinforce the role of risk in credit, and the benefits of doing so are practically endless.  Each facet of risk management is explored, from underwriting risk to dealer risk to credit risk to operational risk.  We investigate real-world challenges in organic case studies wherein executives share their responses to risk challenges in the moment. And, most importantly, the Auto Finance Risk Summit brings together an engaging group of industry executives who share experiences and insights”.

Auto Finance Risk Assessment is a crucial part of the serious industry executive looking to gain knowledge for his or her customers. Allstar Dodge is committed to providing our customers with the latest financial information to help create an enjoyable and stress free shopping experience with our dealership.  Make an appointment with one of our credit experts today to see how we can help you get into that new Ford vehicle.

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Auto Industry In Need of Resin Alternative

Published: May 4, 2012
Posted in Dodge Ram

Allstar Dodge Dealership, Dealer of the Dodge Ram Truck in MOMO, is committed to keeping blog readers informed of the latest auto industry news.

In 2011 when a massive earthquake rocked Japan, it disabled many Japanese parts makers sending a shutter through the auto industry.  Then in March, Evonik Industries based out of Marl, Germany, suffered a devastating explosion at their plant where a key chemical, CDT, is produced. The explosion stopped production of the chemical that is used in coatings and applications for vehicle fuel handling and brake systems.  Knowing these types of shut downs could be devastating to the industry as a whole, automakers decided it was time to make some changes and they began scrambling for ways to find alternatives to the key resin also known as nylon-12 or PA-12. Neil De Koker, head of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association recently stated, “Everyone feels pretty good that in such a short time we’ve been able to develop alternate testing processes.  My predication personally is that we will get through this without significant shutdowns in the industry.”

Recently, a Texas plant owned by Invista made its way into the spotlight when it was reveals the plant had previously supplied automakers with small amounts of CDT.

Invista Communications Manager, Jodie Stutsman stated “the excess capacity we have there for the CDT market as a whole is limited.  We have a set of customers we are committed to supply. We of course will honor those commitments, and for the remaining product we will do what we can do to meet the needs of the overall CDT market.”

Allstar Dodge Dealer wants to assure its customers it has not been affected by the shortage in CDT. Our lot is stocked with an abundance of inventory and we are here to serve our customers driving needs. Stop in today and take a look at our inventory.

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What Exactly Does Certified Mean?

Published: April 20, 2012
Posted in Jeep Dealer

Jerseyville IL IllinoisMany people know their local IL Jeep Dealer has a Certified Car or Truck section. But many people don’t completely understand what that means, or whether or not a certified, pre-owned car is the right vehicle for their family. One major factor of determining a car or truck as certified lies within the inspection the car must go through. Certified, pre-owned vehicles go through a stringent evaluation process and, as a result, carry comprehensive warranties not typically offered with non-certified used cars. Buying a used, non-certified vehicle from a dealer or individual comes with no guarantee that the car has been cared for and is actually worth what the owner claims it to be. You receive no type of guarantee with a car that has been certified. Purchasing a vehicle that has been certified brings with it guarantees not commonly associated with non-certified pre-owned vehicles and consumers appreciate, and are even willing to pay a little extra for a car that has been rigorously inspected and guaranteed by the manufacturer. Your local Jeep Dealer can confirm whether or not a vehicle is certified.

The actual inspection a car or truck must go through before being stamped certified is rigorous to say the least. Some of the commonly found inspection standards are: General Evaluation-this includes inspection of the safety systems, mirrors, lights, brakes, steering, and an overall engine evaluation.  The vehicles electrical, engine cooling system, seatbelts, air condition and power steering is also evaluated.  An interior evaluation, exterior assessment, required service and maintenance assessment, as well as an exterior detailing analysis are also conducted with each inspection.

As always, your Missouri Certified Jeep Dealer can answer any questions you may have regarding the inspection process. Manufacturers stand behind these certifications and want to make sure you are getting the best vehicle available.

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All Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram • 11503 St. Charles Rock Rd • Bridgeton • MO • 63044

Sales: 314-291-2050 • Service: 314-291-2050